Every Soul A Star

A Novel

Ally, Bree, and Jack meet at the one place the Great Eclipse can be seen in totality, each carrying the burden of different personal problems, which become dim when compared to the task they embark upon and the friendship they find.

School Library Journal describes Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass as "quietly self-reflective" which may cause potential readers to run the other way. But along with the quiet reflection there is humor, drama and friendship. In fact, when a 5th grade girl asked me "what's something good to read?" and I suggested Every Soul a Star her reaction was wondrous to behold! Her eyes lit up and she said that she had read it and it was one of her favorite books. We talked about it for 10 whole minutes. So, a quietly self-reflective book can capture readers and hold them tight.

The story is told in alternating chapters by three very different characters, Ally, Bree and Jack. They all meet at the Moon Shadow Campground where Ally has happily spent almost her entire life because her parents run the place. She's stunned to learn that her parents have decided to move back to the city and turn the campground over to Bree's family. Bree is just plain freaked by the idea of living out in the wilderness away from her friends, shopping, TV and civilization. Jack, not the best student or most sociable person in the world, is surprised to find himself helping his science teacher lead a group of eclipse hunting tourists at the campground. The three meet (maybe collide would be a better description) and a very unlikely and bumpy friendship begins to grow.

There is another essential element in this story that needs to be mentioned and it's the reason these three are at the Moon Shadow Campground. There is a total eclipse of the sun coming and the best place to see it is at the campground. Thousands of people are coming to see it and Ally, Bree and Jack are caught up in the event completely. The science, which is a big part of this story, is so artfully intertwined that readers learn a lot about astronomy and eclipses right along with the characters and it's painless. The eclipse is the central bonding event for these kids and for the reader.

This touching, well-written, clever book is one that will become a favorite for many kids in grades 5 - 8. Also the three different voices telling the story work very well in the audio format. Check it out!

Wendy Mass is a really amazing writer. It only took me one day to read the whole book. You will regret if you don't read it. The format which the author organize to book is very creative. This book made me very interested in astronmy.